Leah James
I’m Leah James, an acrylic artist based in the Kawartha Lakes. I’ve always loved working with acrylics, but my greatest joy comes from painting pets. My muse began with my own dog, Tess — an eight-year-old German Shepherd who has brought so much love, joy, and adventure into my life.
What started as a personal project quickly grew into a passion for capturing the personalities of all kinds of animals. I’m fascinated by the challenge of expressing realistic features, fur textures, and subtle expressions that reveal a pet’s true spirit. I strive to paint not only their likeness, but also the feeling of who they are — often using thoughtful backgrounds or pops of colour to convey their unique energy.
In the warmer months, I love painting outdoors as a way to slow down and connect with the beauty around me. For me, painting pets is a joyful way to honour the bond we share with our animals and to preserve their spirit in a fun, heartfelt, and colourful way.
